How Long Do Mattresses Last?

Mattresses are an integral part of our nightly routines, but when is the right time to replace them? Many mattress owners wonder this question and many most. How long are mattresses good for? How long should your mattress last? To answer how long do mattresses last, it is important to examine the multitude of factors that contribute to the lifespan of mattresses. There is no simple answer to this questions as it can vary significantly based on the type of mattress, the quality of the materials used in its construction, the materials it is made out of, and many more variables. This makes determining the lifespan of a mattress difficult, but there are a number of general rules of thumb you can use when analyzing a mattress to determine roughly how long it will last for. To help you determine how long you can expect a natural mattress to last for you, we have put together a guide that delves into the main factors that contribute to the lifespan of a mattress and broken it down into sections that will make evaluating your mattress much simpler.

Signs That You Need to Replace Your Mattress

Before we delve into specific factors to analyze to determine the lifespan of your mattress, it is important to consider some of the main signs that you need to replace your mattress. These warning signs will help let you know that it is time for you to purchase a new mattress, regardless of what type of mattress you have, the quality of materials, or how long you have had it. These are helpful to keep in mind and identify when you notice them so that you do not unintentionally disrupt your sleep schedule, slip into the habit of getting a poor quality of sleep, or exacerbate muscle and joint aches by sleeping on a mattress that is past its prime. Below are a few warning signs that you need to replace your mattress.

If your mattress is developing sags, indentations, or you can feel springs in your back, then it is extremely important that you replace your mattress.

If you are feeling irritated, achy, or in pain when you wake up a from a night of sleep, then you are not getting the quality of sleep you need and your mattress may be causing you pain.

If you feel that you can get a better night of sleep when you are sleeping somewhere other than your mattress, such as on the couch, in a hotel room, or at the home of friends or family.

If you have had the same mattress for six to eight years and you are over the age of forty, then it is likely that you need to replace your mattress. As you age, your body becomes more sensitive to your mattress and less able to adjust to pressure increases that can occur in mattresses that are this age.

With these warning signs in mind, it is now important to analyze one of the most important factors that will contribute to the lifespan of your mattress: the type of mattress it is.

Consider the Type of Mattress

The type of mattress you have is the most significant determinant of how long your mattress will last. Over time, the mattress industry has developed a number of different types of mattresses that have continually been updated and innovated as technology and research have progressed. This has allowed individuals to select a mattress that is uniquely tailored to their body and sleeping habits to give them the best night of sleep possible. While the plethora of mattress options available have given individuals the ability to choose from a range of different mattresses, it also requires consumers to become educated about what types of mattresses are available and their respective benefits and disadvantages in order to make an educated and informed decision. Below is a breakdown of a few of the most popular types of mattresses available and how long their lifespan is expected to be based on their composition and features.

Innerspring Mattress

If you own an innerspring mattress, it is likely that you have asked yourself, “How long does a spring mattress last?” For consumers that are looking for a long-lasting mattress, then it may be best to stay away from innerspring mattresses as they are often known to develop indentations and sags over the course of time. To understand how this occurs, it is important to understand the constructions of an innerspring mattress. An innerspring mattress may use a traditional coil system or a pocketed coil system. In a traditional coil system, the coils are wired together. This can make it more difficult for the mattress to counteract motion transfer as it occurs. On the other hand, a pocketed coil innerspring mattress is constructed using steel coils that are independently wrapped in fabric and function independently.

As you look for an innerspring mattress, it is likely that you will encounter two main specifications: the coil number and the coil gauge. The higher the number of coils in the mattress, the more supportive it will be. As you consider the coil gauge, keep in mind that the higher gauge actually is a thinner coil, which can be counterintuitive. The most common coil gauges used in innerspring mattresses range from twelve to fifteen with firmer mattresses falling at a fourteen gauge and higher and softer mattresses falling at a thirteen gauge and lower. When assessing the durability of the mattress, thinner coils often offer less durability than a thicker gauge coil. On top of the coils, many mattresses have layers of different materials to create a soft and supportive top surface. The quality and type of materials utilized in this top comforter layer can also affect the longevity of the mattress, with cheaper materials, like polyester, lasting a shorter duration than higher-quality materials. On average, it is recommended that an innerspring mattress is replaced within eight years as the coils will often come loose over time, which can result in body aches and pains. An innerspring mattress may need to be replaced sooner than eight years as well, depending on the type and quality of its materials.

Foam Mattress

Foam mattresses are one of the most popular options available on the mattress market, but not all foam mattresses are created equal. There is a significant variance in the type of foam used and each type can affect the longevity of the mattress. One of the most commonly utilized types of foam is polyurethane. Polyurethane is also usually the cheapest option and with its lower price tag comes a decreased durability. When looking at a polyurethane foam mattress, it is important to look at the foam density to get a better sense of how long the mattress will last. A polyurethane foam mattress that does not mention density, will likely not last long. The higher the density is, the longer you can anticipate the mattress will last. It is important to keep in mind that many polyurethane foams are laced with harmful chemicals and toxins that are used to boost its flame retardancy and are a byproduct of its manufacturing process. Not only does this option not give you durability, it can also be exposing you to toxins. Warning signs that you need to replace a polyurethane foam mattress are that the foam is sagging or that when you lay on the mattress you feel as if you are sinking into the bed.

Another type of foam mattress to consider is a convoluted foam mattress. If you are unsure what a convoluted foam mattress is, it is likely you will recognize its shape, but not its name. Convoluted foam is a foam that resembles the inside of an egg carton, like the ones you see in the grocery store. However, similar to polyurethane foam mattresses, convoluted foam mattresses are also not known for being extremely durable. Convoluted foam mattresses can give you support and comfort in the short-term, but unfortunately, this often does not last long before the foam begins to sag and needs to be replaced. To stretch the longevity of a convoluted foam mattress, make sure there is only one convoluted later and target a high-density foam construction.

While polyurethane and convoluted foam mattresses do not possess notable durability, memory foam mattresses are a much better option when comparing longevity. One of the main reasons for this increased longevity is that memory foam mattresses often have a much higher foam density than lower-quality foams mattresses. Many consumers like memory foam mattresses because they contour to the body, but this also means that body weight is a significant factor that can impact how long a memory foam mattress will last. When selecting a memory foam mattress, make sure you target a higher density as this will increase its durability and be sure to research the type of memory foam as some memory foams may contain harsh chemicals. A high-quality memory foam mattress can last between eight and ten years, depending on the other factors at play. However, if you notice your memory foam mattress is developing lumps, is sagging, is retaining impressions longer than it previously did, or if you notice an increase in allergic symptoms, then it is time to replace your mattress.

The most durable among the foam mattress options are latex foam mattresses. If you are looking for a durable mattress that will stay supportive and comfortable throughout the years, then a latex foam mattress is likely the right choice for you. Latex foam mattresses are extremely durable. As with the other foams, the higher density the latex foam is, the most durable it will be and the longer it will last you. It is important to understand that latex foam mattresses are broken down into two main categories: natural and synthetic blends. The names may give you an indication of the main difference between these two types of latex foam mattresses, but to understand the significant it is important to compare them.

Synthetic latex foam mattresses are manufactured using petrochemicals, which can expose you to harsh chemicals and toxins that can adversely affect you. You sleep on your mattress every night for a long period of time, making this exposure significant to note. In addition, synthetic latex foam mattresses are less durable than a natural latex foam mattress, which is why they often come at a lower price tag. On the other hand, natural latex foam mattresses are made using a natural resource, the rubber tree. Natural latex foam possesses a significantly higher level of elasticity, which boosts its durability and longevity considerably. While a natural latex memory foam mattress may cost more, it is an investment into a quality mattress that will be the healthiest and most long-lasting choice and will not require the frequent replacement that other lower-quality, toxin-laden mattresses do. Look for a natural latex memory foam mattress that is certified organic to find the ideal mattress for both comfort and durability. Essentia’s mattresses are made using natural and organic materials to form a durable, supportive mattress that will give you a better night of sleep and the durability you are looking for. The majority of Essentia’s mattresses come with a twenty-year warranty, making them a reliable investment into a great night of sleep.

Other Factors that Can Affect Mattress Longevity

While the type of mattress is the most important factor in determining how long your mattress will last, there are many other factors that should be considered when determining the longevity of your mattress. Below are a handful of other factors that can affect how long your mattress will last.

Body Weight: Many people do not realize that body weight can affect mattress longevity. People that have a high body weight will exert more pressure on the mattress, which can reduce its lifespan.

Environment: The environment your mattress is in and what it is exposed to can have a significant effect on how long it will last. If children use the mattress as a trampoline or you frequently eat and drink in bed and spill on the mattress, which can seep into the materials the mattress is made of and compromise them, then your mattress will have a reduced lifespan.

Use: When determining how long a mattress will last, it is important to consider how often it will be used. For example, a mattress in a spare bedroom that is rarely used will last much longer than a mattress that is used every night.

Cleaning: If your mattress is regularly cleaned and cared for according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, then it is likely that it will have a longer lifespan.